JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — The historic Cascade Falls, one in every of Jackson’s most iconic landmarks, might quickly obtain a major restoration. Native officers say that with the assistance of state funding, the man-made waterfall could possibly be reworked for future generations.
The hassle to revive the Cascades traces again to William “Captain” Sparks, a three-time Jackson mayor and industrialist. Impressed by a waterfall he noticed in Barcelona within the early Nineteen Thirties, Sparks established a basis to construct the Cascades for his hometown.
“He was traveling around the world and wanted to do something special for Jackson,” Jackson County Parks Director Kyle Lewis advised 6 Information. “He saw the idea elsewhere and made it happen here.”
Jackson lawmaker desires state funding for the Cascades
Lewis now sees it as his duty to uphold Sparks’ legacy. He’s urging state lawmakers to approve a $3.5 million grant to start the restoration undertaking, which might tackle vital infrastructure wants, together with overhauling the plumbing system.
“We talked to the state about some improvements to the concrete into replacing all the piping and plump house,” Lewis mentioned.
For longtime Jackson resident Larry Harris, the Cascades are a significant a part of the group.
“I’ve been in Jackson for over 30 years,” he mentioned. “It’s a beautiful park for families to come out and enjoy with the ice cream parlor, the splash pad, things to do year-round, the walking track, the courts.”
Lewis believes the deliberate upgrades will improve the park’s family-friendly environment and entice extra vacationers to Jackson.
“The Cascades brings in almost half-a-million visitors to the park each year,” he mentioned. “So a lot of people from out of the county, out of the state even, come from all over to see it. So it’s important to Jackson. It is Jackson.”
Fundraising campaigns are already underway for the Cascades.
